ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHARTER

1. The Committee’s official designation.
TechnicalStudy Panel on the Utilization of Belt Air and the Composition and Fire Retardant Properties of Belt Materials in Underground Coal Mining.

2. The Committee’s objectives and the scope of its activity.
The Committee is established in accordance with the requirements of Section11 of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 (MINER Act) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the Committee is to “provide independent scientific and engineering review and recommendations with respect to the utilization of belt air and the composition and fire retardant properties of belt materials in underground coal mining.” (MINER Act, Sec.11)

3. The period of time necessary for the Committee to carry out its purposes.
Not later than one year after the date on which all Committee members are appointed, the Committee must “prepare and submit … a report concerning the utilization of belt air and the composition and fire retardant properties of belt materials in underground coal mining.” (MINER Act, Sec. 11)

4. The agencies or officials to whom the Committee reports.
The Committee submits a report to the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, and the Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives.

5. The agency responsible for providing necessary support for the Committee.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, is primarily responsible for providing support for the Committee, including financial, organizational, and administrative. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, may assist with compiling research and other scientific information.

6. A description of the duties for which the Committee is responsible.
As required by Section 11 of the MINER Act, the Committee will provide independent scientific and engineering review and make recommendations in the form of a report with respect to the utilization of belt air and the composition and fire retardant properties of belt materials in underground coal mining.

7. Membership.
As required by Section11 of the MINER Act, the Committee will be composed of the following:

  • Two individuals appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Associate Director of the Office of Mine Safety;
  • Two individuals appointed by the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health; and
  • Two individuals, one appointed jointly by the majority leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives and one appointed jointly by the minority leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Four of the six individuals listed above must possess a masters or doctoral level degree in mining engineering or another scientific field demonstrably related to the subject of the report. No individual appointed shall be an employee of any coal or other mine, or of any labor organization, or of any State or Federal agency primarily responsible for regulating the mining industry.

8. Compensation.
While carrying out the duties of the Committee, its members shall be entitled to receive compensation as a consultant, at an hourly rate equivalent of GS-15, step 10. Employment is not expected to exceed 130 days per year. Committee members will also receive per diem in lieu of subsistence and travel expenses.

9. The estimated annual costs to operate the Committee in dollars and person years.

  • Estimated annual operating cost: $600,000
  • Estimated staff years: 4

10. The estimated number and frequency of Committee meetings.
The Committee will meet at least three times before its termination date. The Agency estimates that each meeting will last approximately two to three days.

11. The Committee’s termination date.
This Committee will terminate upon the submission of its report that must be finalized no later than one year after the date on which all members of the Panel are appointed, as required by Section11 of the MINER Act.

12. The date the charter is filed.
The charter is filed on the date indicated below.

Dated: December 20, 2006.

Elaine L. Chao,
Secretary of Labor

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